President Joe Biden issued an executive order for reforming the criminal justice system in the U.S. This is one of the first steps in repairing a system that needs significant improvement. Juvenile activists are trying to remain hopeful about the executive order but assert that detained juveniles haven’t been accurately represented in the reform conversation. Juvenile offenders in Louisiana will hopefully benefit from the new regulations the President is attempting to put in place.
How many juveniles are incarcerated?
The data is daunting when it comes to juvenile offenders who are incarcerated in the U.S. The 2020 report from The State of America’s Children from the Children’s Defense Fund estimates that 76,000 children are sentenced, prosecuted or incarcerated as adults every year. The report also reveals that juveniles of color are transferred to the adult criminal justice system at disproportionate rates.
How criminal justice reform affects younger detainees
The Colorlines National Juvenile Justice Coalition submitted recommendations for criminal justice reform to all presidential candidates. Once Biden was elected into office, he began incorporating many of the organization’s recommendations. In the future, there will hopefully be more changes that are in keeping with the $100 million incentive program designed to stop the incarceration of children.
The program funds should be designated to create community programs that will promote education and self-esteem. Congress has to appropriate the funds for these types of programs, and the Biden administration is set to work with Congress to put the funds into the national FY22 budget so they can be used to fight juvenile incarceration.
If your minor child or loved one has been incarcerated, speaking with a qualified attorney may be in your best interest. You may find useful information for reform to help your child avoid future incarceration after their release.